You can dive into this one on just about any platform.
Right now, I’m all about serving some street justice.
Recently, I found myself drawn back to Capcom’s legendary beat ’em ups from the late ’80s to the mid-90s. Some of these classics were old friends, while others were fresh adventures. This week, a buddy and I tackled Capcom’s cherished Dungeons & Dragons brawlers—Tower of Doom and Shadow over Mystara—thanks to the Chronicles of Mystara collection. What really struck me was the punchy combat, the hidden secrets and branching paths, and the clever use of inventory systems and magic items. Now, looking ahead to the weekend, I’ve got my sights set on returning to the game that kick-started Capcom’s epic run in this genre: 1989’s Final Fight.
When I think about what defines a beat ’em up, Final Fight springs to mind instantly. I remember the thrill of spotting this game at arcades, laundromats, or convenience stores back in the day; those huge character designs, the raw impact of the digitized voices, and the sheer intensity of the combat. It was one of those transformative games, reshaping the genre’s canvas after pioneers like Double Dragon and Renegade. It made everything feel more accessible, attractive, and unforgettable. It’s been ages since I last played Final Fight, and my friend, with whom I’m currently on this blitz of classic gaming, has never played it. This weekend, I think it’s high time for Metro City’s Mayor, Mike Haggar, to get back on the streets. He’ll need to slam some Mad Gear gang members and eventually face off against the mastermind pulling the strings—a rich and powerful villain orchestrating chaos from his glass-walled fortress, high above the gritty chaos of Final Fight’s vividly portrayed city on the verge of collapse.
— Carolyn Petit
